Russo received a bachelor's degree in marketing from Salve Regina and went on to earn an M.B.A. from Northeastern University.

She is the executive vice president of administration and finance at Microboard Processing Inc., a Seymour-based manufacturer of printed circuit board assemblies.

She is also active in her church and the community. Since 2002, she and her husband Tory have organized the annual horseshow fundraiser for Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, a nonprofit provider of equine-assisted activities to adults and children with disabilities.